Background Information
Cherry trees have been an important part of many cultures for centuries, offering an abundance of delicious fruit as well as a beautiful sight. However, for these trees to stay healthy and produce lots of delicious fruit, they need to be pruned. Pruning a cherry tree can be intimidating for many, but with the right instructions and a few basic tools it is straightforward.
Preparation
Before pruning, it is important to check the condition of the tree. If the tree has any dead or diseased branches, these should be removed first. This can be easily done with a pair of sharp pruning shears. Additionally, any suckers or watersprouts should be pruned away.
The Visual Approach
In order to attain this, one should use the visual approach which is to first decide what is needed to do and envision the desired outcome. Take a look at the tree and imagine how it should look after pruning. It may be helpful to draw a diagram or take pictures of the tree before pruning. This will allow you to keep track of progress as you go.
Which Branches to Cut?
Generally, there are several branches that should be removed- firstly the ones right in the center of the tree, so that the tree gets more light. Secondly, those which overlap- it is best to remove the weaker of the two, as this allows for the strongest branches to keep growing. Thirdly, those which are too long or too close to the ground should be pruned, as these are unlikely to produce much fruit.
The Right Way To Cut
When pruning, the most crucial thing is to make the correct cut. Make sure that the cut is close above a leaf or lateral bud and incline it slightly away from the bud. This will prevent water from collecting on the cut surface and reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, make sure that the surface is clean and free from any debris.
Aftercare
Once done with pruning, it is necessary to give some post-pruning care to the tree. This includes applying fertilizer and mulch, as well as making sure the tree gets sufficient watering. These steps are important to ensure that the tree is healthy and produces lots of delicious fruit.
Online Resources
As there is a variety of online resources such as videos, forums and blogs, it is often recommended to refer to these first before making any decisions. Videos can be especially helpful, as they allow for a visual demonstration of the steps and can be watched as many times as necessary.
Tools and Safety
When pruning a cherry tree, make sure to use the correct tools for the job, such as a pair of sharp pruning shears and gloves. Additionally, make sure to wear protective goggles and a hat, as there is a risk of falling debris when pruning.
Time of Pruning
Most cherry trees will benefit from pruning twice per year, in spring and late summer. Pruning at the correct time is important, as the correct timing allows for the best possible fruit production. Additionally, pruning at the wrong time can damage the tree, leading to reduced fruit production.
How to Prune a Cherry Tree Video
The best way to learn how to properly prune a cherry tree is to watch a video. This is especially recommended for visual learners, as videos can provide a step-by-step guide which is easier to follow than written instructions. Additionally, most videos also provide useful tips and advice which can help make the process smoother.
Creating a Pruning Plan
Having a plan before pruning is essential, as the results can be drastically different depending on how and how much one prunes. Therefore, it is important to create a plan which outlines what needs to be done and why, as well as being mindful of the guidelines mentioned earlier.
Benefits Of Pruning
Pruning a cherry tree offers many benefits, such as increased light penetration and a stronger branch structure. Additionally, pruning can also make it easier to harvest the fruit and reduce the risk of diseases.
Pruning Specific Types of Cherry Trees
The type of cherry tree one has will determine the pruning techniques and types of cuts which should be made. It is important to understand the differences between pruning a sour cherry tree and a sweet cherry tree, for example. Sour cherry trees flower on the previous year’s growth, so should be pruned differently. Sweet cherry tree should be pruned more gently than sour cherry trees.
Pruning Tools
There are a wide variety of tools available for pruning cherry trees. The most common are pruning shears, pole pruners and secateurs. Pruning shears are great for small to medium branches, while pole pruners are suitable for larger branches. Secateurs are suited for precision pruning and make fine cuts which are great for shaping and thinning out the tree.
Best Practices for Pruning
When it comes to pruning cherry trees, it is important to have good technique. This includes using the correct tools, making the correct cuts and using good post-pruning care. Additionally, it is important to remove any debris after pruning and make sure the tree is well-maintained.
Reasons to Prune a Cherry Tree
Pruning a cherry tree has several benefits, such as increased fruit production, improved air and light penetration and a stronger branch structure. Pruning also makes harvesting the fruit much easier, and reduces the risk of diseases.
When to Prune a Cherry Tree
The best time to prune a cherry tree is in spring and late summer. Pruning at the wrong time can damage the tree, leading to reduced fruit production, so it is important to make sure the tree is pruned at the correct time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pruning a cherry tree properly can be daunting for many, but with the right guidance and care it is straightforward. Understanding the background information, preparing the tree and having the correct tools and techniques are all essential for a successful pruning. Additionally, knowing when and why to prune can make a huge difference in the outcome. Finally, by having an understanding of the resources available such as videos, one can easily and quickly learn how to prune a cherry tree.
